Shivaji Maharaj always used his wisdom for welfare of people

Media Coverage | 08-06-2024

Says Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from journalists, who are considered successors of the original journalist Devarshi Narada Muni, is akin to a pat on the back from the people, said Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in Ayodhya. He said the significance of receiving the award on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Coronation Day is immense, emphasising that Shivaji Maharaj’s wisdom was always directed towards the welfare of his people.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Maharashtra State Marathi Journalist Association (MSMJA), was presented at the hands of the chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda.

Present at the ceremony were former governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari, higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil, chairman of Pudhari Media Group Dr Yogesh Jadhav, group editor of Lokmat Media Group Vijay Baviskar, chairman of Kohinoor Group Krishnakumar Goyal, Sanjay Malpani of Malpani Group, actor Bhau Kadam, state president of MSMJA Kiran Joshi, state organiser of MSMJA Sanjay Bhokare, among others. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj further remarked, “Such awards contribute to the development of my innate qualities. Receiving this award on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Coronation Day is my fortune. The coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a golden moment in the country’s history, as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swarajya by overcoming opposition from the Nizams and the British.”

“The concept of Hindavi Swarajya translates to a Hindu Empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not an ordinary person but an exceptional individual of extraordinary accomplishments. He exemplified an ideal king through bravery, wisdom, grandeur and meticulous administration. His achievements and character are a blend of the virtues depicted in the Ramayan’s vision of Ram Rajya and the management skills from the Mahabharat,” he said.

Maharaj’s work worthy of Bharat Ratna!

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Darda said Maharaj has awakened society through Shiv Puran, Shiv Charitra and the teachings of Gita. These thoughts must reach the youth. For the new generation to become cultured, they need to adopt Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s thoughts. Journalists who wield the pen must also embody these thoughts. The Gita teaches us to act without expecting rewards, but it is important to aspire for good outcomes. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj’s work is significant and an honour to him was overdue. We awaited the construction of Ram Temple but Maharaj’s work is so great that it is worthy of Bharat Ratna award. By bestowing the Lifetime Achievement Award, we all feel honoured, Darda added. Meanwhile, Lokmat has completed 25 years since its inception in Pune. Pune residents are discerning and they only embrace someone thoughtfully, and once they do, nothing can wean them away, Darda said, expressing his gratitude towards the people of Pune.

Eminent persons from diverse fields honoured

Dr Yogesh Jadhav and Krishnakumar Goyal also expressed their views on the occasion. Editor of Lokmat (Pune) Sanjay Awate, senior journalist Abhay Deshpande, Swapnil Savarkar, Avinash Chilekar, Dnyaneshwar Bijle, entrepreneur Sanjay Malpani, actor Bhau Kadam, developer Vishwas Javadekar, Giriraj Sawant, Onkar Vaskar, Ishwar Gaurangdas, Rajendra Shilimkar, Baba Kamble, Nilesh Khedekar, Dashrath Bhosale, Siddharth Bhokare, editor-journalists and eminent personalities were also honoured on this occasion. Kiran Joshi made the welcome address, Sanjay Bhokare made the introductory remarks while Sudhir Gadgil conducted the proceedings.

Bhagat Singh Koshyari said, “The thoughts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Swami Ramdas, Sant Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram are my ideals. The saints and great men here symbolise universal thoughts.” Chandrakant Patil praised the MSMJA ‘s work of identifying and honouring gems in society.

The Maharashtra State Marathi Journalist Association honoured Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj with Lifetime Achievement Award. Seen (from left) are entrepreneur Sanjay Malpani, actor Bhau Kadam, state president of MSMJA Kiran Joshi, chairman of Pudhari Media Group Dr Yogesh Jadhav, former governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil, chairman of Kohinoor Group Krishnakumar Goyal, group editor of Lokmat Media Group Vijay Baviskar and state organiser of MSMJA Sanjay Bhokare.

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